Synonyms for

Intricate

Verb / ˈɪntrʌkʌt / Another word for intricate — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having many complex parts or details; difficult to understand, work with, or make

Synonyms & similar words

complex complicated involved convoluted elaborate sophisticated ornate detailed knotty difficult challenging hard tricky puzzling perplexing bewildering mystifying baffling confusing

Synonyms by register

Formal

complex elaborate sophisticated detailed

Informal

fiddly tricky involved complicated

Literary

labyrinthine convoluted tangled

Antonyms

simple plain uncomplicated easy straightforward obvious

Common collocations

  • intricate design
  • intricate pattern
  • intricate details
  • intricate network
  • intricate workings
  • intricate plot
  • intricate mechanism

Word family

noun intricacy
adjective intricate
adverb intricately

Usage note

Often used to describe designs, patterns, or systems that are very detailed and complex. Avoid using it for simple tasks that are merely difficult.

Example sentences

  1. The spider's web was intricately woven.
  2. The maze was too intricate for the children to solve.
  3. The watch was made up of intricate and delicate parts.
  4. The details of the painting were intricate.
  5. The plan to rob the bank was intricate and required careful planning.

Quotes

  • Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. - Confucius
  • In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous. - Aristotle
  • The most complicated skill is to be simple. - Dejan Stojanovic

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